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Study Finds Link Between Arthritis Drugs and Cancer and Infections

Two rheumatoid arthritis drugs, Remicade and Humira, have been linked to a doubled risk of serious infections and a tripled risk of cancer, according to a recent study led by the Mayo Clinic and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Humira is made by Abbott Laboratories and was approved in 2002, and Remicade is made by Centocor and was approved in 1998. People with rheumatoid arthritis are given Humira and Remicade to improve flexibility and range of movement, increase life expectancy and ease pain. The study shows an increased risk of various types of cancer and infections such pneumonia among users of Remicade and Humira. The risks appear to be higher with long-term use and higher doses. One of the study authors is working on a new arthritis drug with Centocor. For more information on this story see Remicade, Humira and cancer.

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